Homelessness no laughing matter for the Louison House

ADAMS -- Homelessness is nothing to laugh about, but a show by three comedians at Bounti-Fare this Saturday will benefit Family Life Support Center, Inc. Louison House, a local shelter that aims to put an end to it.

Louison House provides transitional shelter and other assistance aimed at getting the homeless of North County on solid ground again.

"This community is very generous, and events like this are very helpful to our operating budget," said Louison House Executive Director Lindsay Errichetto. "We deeply appreciate that people help their friends."

The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour, hosting the Louison House benefit for the third consecutive year, consists of a revolving cast of regionally-based comedians that makes pit-stops around the Northeast.

This year, comedians Aaron David Ward, Mike Speirs and Joe Pontillo will share the stage. Ward, a producer of tour, has performed in several comedy festivals across the country and in TV's "The Glenn Slingerland Situation."

"They want to support a homeless shelter out here, it's wonderful," Errichetto said.

Homelessness in Berkshire County is a "significant problem," according to Errichetto, who said it might not be as recognizable in such a rural area compared to a larger city. "[Homeless] people aren't actually always on the street," she said.

The 22-bed Louison House is almost always at full capacity, Errichetto said, which represents "only a fraction" of the local homeless population.

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Errichetto said the event is a good fit in the Berkshires, where she has seen a rise in interest in stand-up comedy. It will be her first comedy benefit as executive director -- she stepped into the role just a few months ago after working at the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Prior to her work there, Errichetto was the director of shelter and housing at the Berkshire Community Action Council.

Tickets are still available, but selling fast, by calling the Louison House at 413-743-7957 or messaging its Facebook account, which staff check regularly. Purchased in advance, tickets are $20, and $25 at the door.

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